Ph.D. Environmental Toxicology, 1999, Clemson University
B.S. Chemistry, 1995, Virginia Tech
Dr. Ryan Casey is a Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry & Forensic Science at Towson University. He joined Towson in 2000 and served as Chair of the Chemistry Department from 2015 – 2023. He has taught courses and mentored students through both the Department of Chemistry & Forensic Science and the Environmental Science and Studies Program throughout his career at Towson.
Research in the Casey laboratory focuses on stormwater chemistry and toxicity. Students in my lab have worked on nutrient transformations in wetlands receiving turfgrass runoff; the fate and toxicity of metals in roadway runoff and stormwater management ponds; toxicity and groundwater contamination related to deicing salt application; and evaluations of bioretention structures for the management of copper roof runoff, among other projects. Current research focuses on quantifying PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in multiple media, including water, soil, animal tissues and blood. We are applying these techniques to two primary projects: evaluating the relationship between land use and PFAS concentrations in small streams; evaluating the concentrations of PFAS in turtle blood as part of an effort to understand multiple factors impacting the health status of a regionally endangered turtle species.